Helena College student Simone Boud presented the headspace Midland Manager Tony Fotis with a substantial cheque for further research after her International Baccalaureat project at school involved fundraising and research into depression.

‘I suffered depression and I got help,’ she said.

Mr Fotis praised her amazing work and her achievements and outcomes, despite struggling with depression.

He said 75 per cent of mental health issues emerged before the age of 25.

Headspace chief executive Chris Tanti, who was unable to attend the launch, said the new centre would provide much-needed support services to Perth’s fast growing northeastern region.

‘Headspace centres around the country are making a real difference to the lives of young people,’ Mr Tanti said.

Mr Butler said the Midland office would connect to the network of WA branches which included Bunbury, Kalgoorlie Osborne Park, Fremantle Broome and Albany.

‘There are two new centres to be built in Rockingham and Joondalup as well,’ he said.